Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders Recipe

There's nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful Cheesy Ground Beef Slider, with melted cheese oozing out from between fluffy, buttery slider buns. These sliders are always a hit, whether it's game day, a family gathering, or just a casual weeknight meal.

I remember first making these for a summer cookout, not knowing they’d become a staple dish. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly toasted buns had everyone coming back for seconds.

Get ready to bring a smile to your family and friends’ faces with this quick and crowd-pleasing recipe!

Why You'll Love These Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to party recipe. These Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders are packed with savory, melty goodness and come together in a snap.

First off, they’re incredibly easy to make. All you need is a skillet and a baking dish, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray of irresistible sliders that are perfect for any occasion.

Perfect for feeding a crowd, these sliders are budget-friendly and can be easily doubled or even tripled. Using simple, readily available ingredients means you don’t have to break the bank to make something memorable.

The cheese pull factor is off the charts! Thanks to layers of melted cheddar and gooey mozzarella, each bite delivers that signature cheesy goodness we all crave. Trust me, it’s impossible to stop at just one.

Plus, these sliders are highly customizable. Whether you want to add extra veggies, change up the cheese, or go spicy, the recipe is a great base for endless experimentation.

In short, if you’re looking for a fun, shareable, and absolutely delicious dish, these sliders are sure to become a household favorite.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of these Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders lies in the simple yet flavorful ingredients that create the perfect bite every time.

Ground Beef: The star of the show is ground beef, and I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the juiciest results. You can use leaner beef if you prefer, but keep in mind that a little fat goes a long way in adding flavor and moisture.

Onion: A finely diced yellow onion adds a sweet, caramelized depth to the beef. Make sure to cook it until translucent to avoid any harsh flavors. If you want a more intense onion flavor, you can use red onion.

Cheese: This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. The cheddar provides a sharp, rich flavor, while the mozzarella delivers that coveted stretchy, melty texture. Feel free to mix in your favorite cheeses, like pepper jack for a bit of heat or gouda for a smoky twist.

Slider Buns: Soft, fluffy slider buns are essential for that classic, pillowy texture. Hawaiian rolls are a popular choice because of their slight sweetness, but any soft dinner rolls will work beautifully.

Butter and Seasoning: Brushing the tops of the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder, sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt gives them a golden, flavorful crust. Don’t skip this step – it makes the sliders irresistible!

For this recipe, you won’t need any fancy equipment, just a large skillet, a baking dish, and a basting brush.

How To Make These Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders

Creating these delicious sliders is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to bring this crowd-pleaser to life.

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks, and add the diced onion. Sauté until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Spread the beef mixture evenly onto the bottom half of your slider buns, which you’ve placed in a greased baking dish. Make sure to cover every corner for consistent flavor in every bite.

Next, add a generous layer of cheese over the beef. Start with shredded cheddar, then add a layer of mozzarella for that gooey, melty texture. Place the top half of the buns over the cheese.

Brush the buns with melted butter mixed with garlic powder and sesame seeds. This step is crucial for getting that rich, golden-brown finish. Cover the sliders with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the tops are nicely browned.

Once out of the oven, let the sliders cool for a few minutes before slicing. Expect the total time from start to finish to be around 25 minutes, making this an easy, weeknight-friendly recipe!

Storage Options

These Cheesy Ground Beef Sliders are great for make-ahead meals and leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store the sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, wrap each slider in plastic wrap to retain moisture before placing them in the container.

To freeze sliders, wrap them individually in aluminum foil, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the sliders overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheat the sliders by wrapping them in foil and placing them in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be aware that the buns may get a bit soggy.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or what you have on hand.

For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture and use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. You can also brush the buns with a little sriracha or hot sauce mixed into the melted butter.

If you’re looking for a healthier version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Just be sure to add extra seasoning since these proteins are leaner and less flavorful.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even shredded carrots can be sautéed with the beef and onion. It’s a great way to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.

For a more indulgent take, use bacon crumbles and replace the mozzarella with smoked gouda. You’ll get an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor that’s sure to impress.

These sliders are also perfect for experimenting with different cheeses. Swiss, provolone, or blue cheese can add a unique flavor profile to your dish. The sky's the limit!

No matter how you choose to customize these sliders, you’re sure to end up with a tray full of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Enjoy experimenting!

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